Ralph Lauren reflects on 5 decades in fashion

Brett Zongker Associated Press

Posted:
06/17/2014 01:59:43 PM MDT

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Designer Ralph Lauren is applauded by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton after Lauren receiving the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal ?for his embodiment of the American experience through the medium of fashion, design and philanthropy" Tuesday, June 17, 2014, during a ceremony at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington. Lauren was honored his efforts to fund the conservation of the flag that inspired the national anthem. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

WASHINGTON (AP) — For Ralph Lauren, the American flag is not just a motif. When he uses the flag as inspiration for his designs — including his U.S. Olympic uniforms — he believes in what that represents.

The 74-year-old fashion designer was honored Tuesday by the Smithsonian Institution for his career and to mark the 200th anniversary of the original flag that inspired the writing of the national anthem. Lauren helped fund a major effort to preserve that flag.

Lauren was awarded the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal "for his embodiment of the American experience" and for "supporting artistry, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship for more than five decades."

Designer Ralph Lauren stands after receiving the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal ?for his embodiment of the American experience through the medium of fashion, design and philanthropy" Tuesday, June 17, 2014, during a ceremony at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington. Lauren was honored his efforts to fund the conservation of the flag that inspired the national anthem. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) (Susan Walsh/AP)

Lauren, the son of immigrants, was born Ralph Lifshitz and grew up in the Bronx, New York. He's gone from selling ties from a drawer at the Empire State Building in 1967 to running a corporation with 25,000 employees.

Lauren sat down with The Associated Press to discuss his five decades in fashion.

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AP: What drew you into the world of fashion originally?

Lauren: Luck. No, you know, I never went to fashion school. I somehow was a young guy, grew up in the Bronx and ... I don't know how I can put it together, whether it's movies or it's being in a world where you can read books and go to movies and dream.

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Also being the youngest child in the family and getting all hand-me-downs and sort of saying, 'Wait a minute, I want my own clothes.' So when your parents are not able to afford the kind of clothes as a kid growing up, I had to work myself and earn my way and buy my own things. I just wanted to look like one of the guys and have the girls look at me.

AP: What does this award from the Smithsonian mean to you?

Designer Ralph Lauren, right, stands with Smithsonian Secretary G. Wayne Clough, left, and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton after receiving the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal ?for his embodiment of the American experience through the medium of fashion, design and philanthropy" Tuesday, June 17, 2014, during a ceremony at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington. Lauren was honored his efforts to fund the conservation of the flag that inspired the national anthem. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) (Susan Walsh/AP)

Lauren: It's probably the greatest honor one could have. The honor is mine to give to them because I'm part of this country.

AP: What makes you passionate about the flag and the conservation of the actual flag that inspired the writing of the national anthem?

Lauren: I grew up inspired by America, inspired by the West, inspired by the Adirondacks, inspired by African-Americans, soldiers — life that I saw — the native Americans. I saw a world that was different, and I was inspired.

AP: What do you consider your career highlights?

Lauren: I started with neckties, which are a very small thing and people aren't even wearing them today. Neckties helped start my career. When a man wore a tie, it had to make a statement.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton applauds designer Ralph Lauren after Lauren received the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal ?for his embodiment of the American experience through the medium of fashion, design and philanthropy" Tuesday, June 17, 2014, during a ceremony at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington. Lauren was honored his efforts to fund the conservation of the flag that inspired the national anthem. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) (Susan Walsh/AP)

I think every time I created a new brand, from men's to women's to children to home, they were interesting elements. My clothes are not about fashion. They're about living. They're about how you live and how you want to live. And they're not about in and out fashion that's trendy or the hot news of the day.

I think most people want stability. They want to feel that if they go out and buy something, they want good quality, good value for their money. They don't want to spend it frivolously and find that it's out of style.

AP: How do you define your philosophy of fashion?

FILE - This Feb. 7, 2014 file photo shows the United States team arrives during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Ralph Lauren's love for the American flag and American style earned him high honors Tuesday, June 17, from the Smithsonian Institution, celebrating his five decades in fashion. Lauren designed the uniforms for the US Winter Olympic team. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File) (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Lauren: I can say that I'm about style, not fashion. I'm about timeless style, about quality, and that doesn't mean it has to be boring. That means it's something that continues on because I don't throw out my clothes. The suit that I'm wearing is an old suit. I didn't just make this suit. I like the familiarity in a way because it's mine.

... People say, 'I've worn your clothes for years and my child loves your clothes, my little girl loves your clothes.' I've been very connected to the people out there that buy my things and who appreciate it. And sometimes they stop and say it, so that's very nice.

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Follow Brett Zongker on Twitter at https://twitter.com/DCArtBeat

FILE - This July 27, 2012 file photo shows U.S. athletes walking in a parade during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Ralph Lauren's love for the American flag and American style earned him high honors Tuesday from the Smithsonian Institution, celebrating his five decades in fashion. Lauren designed the uniforms for the US Olympic team. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File) (Mark Humphrey/AP)

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